Vivarium Background DIY.

[little98dime]

Regular gs works just as well. Costs less too. I think like $6 per can at home depot.

[froggsong]

Regular GS is $4 a can at my HD. Fred Myers has a brand called Handi Foam (I'm sure we've all seen it before, I've read about people using it with no problems), and the black one is ~$8 a can. A great price for the black one.

[D3monic]

Menards by me has regular gs for $4 and the pond and foam (black) for $6

[Epiphile]

You guys, the poor fellow's in the UK- we can't keep keep teasing him with the North American Great Stuff availability, ha ha. He was looking for an alternative last he wrote.

Dan, were you able to find something suitable?

[froggsong]

Yes, I know, but I felt that for our american folks I should counter the post by JESSEB32. Sorry to the OP. I just wanted to reiterate that you don't have to use the pond and stone and let people know that there's a cheaper (at least at some stores) alternative to the black one if that's what they want to use.

[erlese@yahoo.com]

Uze this kind. Its color is black!!! and its for pond and stone. Very strong. water proof and does not expand much!!!!


GREAT STUFF" POND & STONE FILLER, SEALER AND ADHESIVE | eBay

[JESSEB32]

It is true you can use the cheaper stuff but I would not recommend it either Handi Foam or Great Stuff pond and stone is the best I have used. I build custom vivariums (132 so far) and have experimented with several different types of expanding foam regular great stuff gap filler is an inferior product but if you dont mind an inferior home for your pets then go right ahead just trying to provide the best info. Now I was quoting the local hardware price for the Graet Stuff Pond and Stone as it does not sound as though you were building several backgrounds I purchase bulk orders and it is quite a bit less. I am providing an experienced observation most people here breed frogs and may be experts at that but guess what guys I am the expert at building vivarium backgrounds!

[erlese@yahoo.com]

There are successful other ways to making quality backgrounds ( if GS or handi is not at your reach) Example of these Youtube videos besides Handi Foam or Great Stuff Pond method.

YouTube - Exo Terra "Do Your Reptiles Feel At Home" Contest 2011 - FIVE vivavriums setup for Dart Frogs
YouTube - My fake / phony/ faux rock waterfall build for my dart frog vivarium PART 2

the sculpting styrofoam method ( has to be the dense White or green kind you get a michaels hobby store ) you need a sculpting tool ( specifically to cut Styrofoam) It should have red handle ( long and thin- needle like) then its easier to carve and manipulate into looking like rock / or stone. then cover with /grout stonework & or 2 step compound cement (cure it for a couple for 6 days). Nontoxic Acrylic paints and a final sealant.


but in the end. its more expensive anyway. so I agree with Jesseb32. Handi Foam or Great Stuff pond and stone is really the best. its cheaper on Amazon than ebay. but dont go cheap ( Save your money and do it right!!!)

here is the link for those who do not have access to GS pond and stone. Its $9.46

Amazon.com: Dow Chemical Co. 283064 Great Stuff Pond And Stone Foam: Home Improvement

now after 3 years and 20 tanks later. I wish I lived closer to Jesseb32. I need a custom Viv

[erlese@yahoo.com]

this is an example.. im using the styrofoam method for my water feature)